title: Effect of GnRH down-regulation on cumulus cell viability and apoptosis as measured by fluorescence-activated cell sorting.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine whether gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)-agonist or -antagonist induces higher percentages of cumulus cell apoptosis and if the use of either is detrimental to ART outcomes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Women in a private facility under treatment for IVF had their cumulus cells isolated and analyzed by flow cytometry. Viable, apoptotic, and dead cumulus cell rates related to ovarian stimulation by GnRH-agonist or -antagonist were measured and compared with fertilization and implantation rates.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Treatment with GnRH-agonist produced a greater number of follicles than treatment with GnRH-antagonist. No differences in implantation and pregnancy rates were found. While cumulus cell (CC) apoptosis was positively correlated with estradiol on the day of hCG administration, no significant difference in the percentage of apoptotic cells between treatments was detectable. Additionally, implantation rate and the average follicular estradiol production on the day of hCG administration were no different between treatments.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  GnRH-agonist or -antagonist treatment protocols induce similar levels of apoptosis in CCs and are not detrimental to ART outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Genesis Genetics Brazil, Rua Mato-Grosso, 306, CJ.506 CEP., 01239-040 São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. pericles.hassun@gmail.com
authors.forename: Pericles Assad
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Hassun Filho
authors.forename: Mariana Antunes
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Ribeiro
authors.forename: André Monteiro
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: da Rocha
authors.forename: José Roberto
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Allegreti
authors.forename: Paulo Cesar
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Serafini
authors.forename: Eduardo Leme Alves
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: da Motta
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D054885:Cumulus Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D015536:Down-Regulation; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000819:agonists / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D006801:Humans; D010062:Ovulation Induction
chemical_list: D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone